Trap



Patented July 12, 1938 UNITED STATES' PATENT OFFIQE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to traps; and more particularly to one designedl to conform with the habits of crabs.

A careful study of crabs and their feeding characteristics has disclosed that upon approaching an entrance with a bottom structure, the crab will walk on the supporting surface rather than attempt to swim in through the opening. It has been noticed that when it seizes food, its iirst reaction is to run with it, and this is particularly true where other crabs are attempting to seize the food. It has also been noticed that in running off, the crab has a tendency to take the food toward the bottom. Its next reaction is to swim upward toward the surface. As a result of these observations, I have constructed a trap embodying a structure to take advantage thereof.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the detailed description thereof proceeds.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective of the trap showing one of the entrances;

Figure 2 is a vertical section taken on the line 2 2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2; and

Figure 4 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Referring to the drawing, in which similar parts are designated by like numerals:

Numeral 5 designates a rectangular shaped trap composed of reticulated material 6 having entrances at 'I on opposite ends 8 and 9. The entrances 'I are relatively wide, as compared to height, to conform to the shape of a crab, and have upwardly sloping passages lil leading into a bait chamber I I. Positioned in the center of the bait chamber II is a bait cup I2 of open mesh or reticulated material of cylindrical form, the top I3 being closed and its bottom I4 normally open to receive bait. A disc I5 on the exterior of the trap acts as a closure for the bottom I4 and is secured in position by cord I6 or other securing means. A trap chamber I'I is formed in the upper part of the trap by a partition I8 having an inverted U-shaped portion I9 directly above the termination of the passages I0. The top 20 of the inverted U-shaped portion I9 is spaced from the top 2| of the trap 5. Openings 22 formed in the top 2B of the inverted U-shaped portion I9 give access to the trap chamber I1. The top 2| is interlaced with lacings 23 so that the top 2| may be removed in emptying the trap.

Obviously fasteners other than lacings may be utilized, and the top may be hinged if desired. Likewise reticulated material is used because of its lightness and mesh construction. However, other material can be utilized without departing 5 from the spirit of my invention.

The trap may be anchored to a stick or other securing means by way of a line 24.

As actually used, the disc l5 will be removed from the bait cup I2, the cup filled with meat or 10 other bait material, the disc secured in place and the trap lowered into the water, having been previously secured. The crabs will enter through the entrances l and walk up the sloping passages I l). Upon approaching the bait, thecrabs will attempt to seize the same through the mesh of the bait cup I2 and attempt to run with it. The crabs will then have a tendency to collect in the bait chamber, but will gradually attempt to escape by swimming upwardly into the inverted U-shaped portion I9, escape through the openings 22, and thence into the trap chamber II. Upon the trap being raised, the top 2| can be removed and the crabs taken from the trap chamber. 2 Although my invention is primarily directed to a trap for crabs, it may be used for other crustacea, and for other purposes falling within the scope of my invention.

Numerous variations may doubtless be devised by persons skilled in the art without departing from the principles of my invention. I, therefore, desire no limitations to be imposed on my invention, except such as are indicated in the appended claims.

`What I claim is:

1. A trap comprising a main body divided into bait and trap chambers, said main body having an entrance with a passageway leading into said bait chamber, a bait cup in said bait chamber, a partition of inverted U-shape dividing the bait and trap chambers, said inverted U-shaped partition having an opening at the top thereof to give communication to the trap chamber.

2. A trap comprising a main body divided into bait and trap chambers, said main body having an entrance with a passageway leading into said bait chamber, a bait cup in said bait chamber,

a partition extending over said passageway and bait cup and dividing the bait and trap chambers, said partition having an opening at the top thereof to give communication to the trap chamber.

BENJAMINE F. LEWIS. 

